Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 12/13/2025 Newscast
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of major U.S. and international news developments, covering military, political, legal, and legislative stories as of December 13, 2025.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. California National Guard Court Ruling & Trump Administration Dispute
- The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has given the California National Guard in Los Angeles a deadline—Monday afternoon—to withdraw from the city.
- (00:03) Paul Stevens: “The California National Guard in Los Angeles now has until Monday afternoon to leave the City of Angels.”
- The ruling is a partial administrative stay in an ongoing legal conflict between California officials and the Trump White House over National Guard control.
2. U.S. Military Action and Drug Interdiction in Venezuela
- The U.S. continues to position military forces off the coast of Venezuela.
- Operation “Southern Spear” targets drug trafficking, claiming destruction of 23 alleged drug boats and the deaths of at least 87 people.
- President Trump emphasized the effectiveness of these efforts in reducing maritime narcotics trafficking:
- (00:43) Donald Trump: “96% of the drugs coming in by water and nobody can figure out who the 4%... Every one of those boats you see get shot down, you just saved 25,000 American lives.”
- Operations targeting land-based drug activity in Venezuela are set to commence soon.
3. Federal Reserve Chair Nomination – Trump’s Role and Critique
- President Trump is close to naming his pick for the next Federal Reserve chair, now reportedly down to two candidates.
- (01:17) Jared Halpern: “President Trump tells the Wall Street Journal he's likely down to just two candidates to lead the Federal Reserve next year.”
- Trump criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not cutting key interest rates further:
- (01:28) Donald Trump: “Well, you know, I've made a lot of money. I've been very successful. And I think my role should be at least out of a recommending they don't have to follow what I say.”
- Powell’s term ends early next year; Trump’s announcement expected soon.
4. Legal Troubles for Former Michigan Football Coach Sharon Moore
- Sharon Moore, ex-head coach of the University of Michigan football team, appears virtually in court facing charges:
- Home invasion, stalking, and breaking and entering.
- Incident involved Moore’s alleged break-in at a former mistress’s apartment, brandishing butter knives and kitchen scissors, and threatening self-harm after being fired.
- (02:39) Chanley Painter: “Prosecutors say Moore broke into the apartment of his former mistress, grabbed butter knives and kitchen scissors, and threatened to kill himself.”
- Moore pleaded not guilty; released on a $25,000 bond and will return to court in January.
5. Congress Stalemated on Health Care, GOP Releases Plan
- With Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits expiring soon, House Speaker Mike Johnson unveils a Republican health care plan.
- (03:28) Ryan Schmells: “House Speaker Mike Johnson is releasing a Republican health care plan before the Affordable Care Act tax credits expire.”
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is critical:
- (03:40) Hakeem Jeffries [clip]: “As I understand, it is likely to be a disaster and actually not enhance the health care of the American people. It will take away from it.”
- Some moderates are proposing a two-year extension of ACA tax credits with income caps. Over 20 million could see insurance cost hikes if credits lapse.
6. Justice Department Ruled to Return Files in Comey-Associate Case
- Federal judge rules that the DOJ violated constitutional rights of Daniel Richmond, a close friend of ex-FBI director James Comey.
- (04:01) Paul Stevens: “The judge saying the Justice Department now must return to him computer files that prosecutors had hoped to use for a potential criminal case against Comey.”
- DOJ must return computer files seized from Richmond, damaging hopes for a potential case against Comey.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Drug Interdiction:
- Donald Trump [00:43]: “96% of the drugs coming in by water and nobody can figure out who the 4%. I wouldn't want to be the 4% either, but 96% of the drugs coming in by water, every one of those boats you see get shot down, you just saved 25,000 American lives.”
- On Trump’s View of Federal Reserve Influence:
- Donald Trump [01:28]: “Well, you know, I've made a lot of money. I've been very successful. And I think my role should be at least out of a recommending—they don't have to follow what I say.”
- On ACA Plan Criticism:
- Hakeem Jeffries [03:40]: “As I understand, it is likely to be a disaster and actually not enhance the health care of the American people. It will take away from it.”
- On Sharon Moore Charges:
- Chanley Painter [02:39]: “Prosecutors say Moore broke into the apartment of his former mistress, grabbed butter knives and kitchen scissors and threatened to kill himself.”
Timeline of Important Segments
- [00:03] – California National Guard ordered to leave LA; court ruling explained
- [00:43] – Trump touts drug interdiction efforts off Venezuela
- [01:17] – Trump narrows Fed chair choices; signals hands-on approach
- [02:39] – Sharon Moore (Michigan coach) appears in court, charged with home invasion, stalking
- [03:28] – Congress health care gridlock; GOP plan, looming ACA tax credit expiration
- [04:01] – DOJ ordered to return files in probe linked to James Comey’s associate
This episode provided a brisk yet comprehensive briefing on significant national news, echoing the urgency and political charge common in Fox News hourly updates. For listeners seeking the latest on domestic legal battles, national security moves, volatile government transitions, and health care debates, this summary covers the morning’s key developments.